BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team ended its season with a 68-56 victory over Sul Ross State University Saturday afternoon.

The game remained close for most of the night until the Jackets were able to create some separation in the closing minutes to claim the 68-56 victory.

With the Jackets leading 54-53, Howard Payne would outscore Sul Ross 14-3 in the final five minutes of play. HPU shot 53% from the floor in the second half while holding Sul Ross State to 25%.

Cam Frank and DJ Gardner helped spark the Jackets second half push with 11 points each in the second period.

Frank finished with a game high 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting for the Jackets. Senior DJ Gardner followed with 15 points along with nine rebounds. Senior Bryan Adams added 10 points.

Howard Payne outrebounded Sul Ross 43-34 in the game and held the Lobos to just 3-of-21 shooting from behind the arc.

Sul Ross was led by Alex Harrison with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Rocky Feliciano added 10 points.

The Yellow Jackets needed to win their regular season finale and have Mary Hardin-Baylor lose to get the fourth spot in the ASC playoffs. HPU got the victory but UMHB also won and the Jackets' season ended with the victory.

Howard Payne finishes at 10-15 overall and 5-9 in American Southwest Conference play. Sul Ross State stands at 15-9 overall and 10-4 in league action.